The Most Colorful Fall Ever

Sure, charcoal flannel suits and camel topcoats are essential fall staples. But the pieces that’ll really transform familiar classics into double-take looks at the office this season are bursting with bright colors. In fact, we’ve never seen fall collections with so many electric-hued ties, bold bags, and vibrant dress shirts. Think of them as jumper cables for your closet, jolting dusty tweeds back to life. And the best part is that any guy can get the look on any budget. So read on for all the ways a little color can drag your fall business look out of the dark.

Scarf by Alexander Olch. Coat by Burberry London. Suit by Boss. Shirt by Ovadia & Sons. Tie by Band of Outsiders. Tie bar by The Tie Bar.

When Your Tie Sings Lead, Your Shirt Plays Backup...

Let’s be clear: Nobody’s suggesting you roll into the office in a lime green suit. In fact, every suit you’ll see here is a neutral business-ready classic. It’s basically a blank canvas, ready for you to add some color. Start with a bright patterned tie. (This one’s fifteen bucks.) It’ll attract attention without you wearing it over some gaudy shirt. The light gray one above keeps things work-appropriate—and helps that tie pop.

Every guy knows how to wear white and blue dress shirts. And a certain kind of prepster branches out with pink. But why stop there? Orange is also a strong option. And you know what else works? Yellow. Any of these shirts is all you need to wake up a suit.

Suit and pocket square by Brunello Cucinelli. Shirt by Boss. Sweater by CLub Monaco. Tie by Shipley & Halmos.

The Easiest Way to Brighten Your Look: Think on Your Feet

You don’t have to wear black or brown dress shoes just because everyone else does. In the office, as on the dance floor, shaking things up starts with your feet. Begin by buying a few pairs of not-black dress socks. Once you get those working for you, hit the shoe store, where you’ll find modern cobblers exploring the rainbow. Wingtips the color of wine? We’ll drink to that.

Shoes, $550, by John Varvatos. Socks, $28, by Pantherella. Suit pants by Boss.

Showing off just a few square inches of color can pack a lot of power—and it’s a move that works best in fall, when you’re wearing layers. A navy cardigan would be pretty cool, but a more unexpected shade of blue is even better. Just slip the sweater under your suit jacket—and don’t be the guy correcting people who compliment you, like, “Um, excuse me, this vest is periwinkle.”

A mackintosh in a color like this green actually isn’t new. The British, who fear no rain, have been wearing these things for decades—and they’ve damn sure never felt awkward about it. Yours will be hanging smartly on the coat rack once you’re actually in the office. So unless you’re in the habit of taking meetings outside, you won’t have to worry about scaring off a client.

Coat, $1,295, by Mackintosh. Shirt, $370, by Thom Browne New York. Tie, $155, by Band of Outsiders. Socks, $55, by Paul Stuart. Suit by Brooks Brothers. Shoes by Esquivel.

Whip It Out, But Don’t Blind Anyone

No matter what clothes are on your back, you can add a flash of color by breaking out one of these wallets. (They should not match your outfit. That’s called overkill.)

These umbrellas are nicer than they have to be, but how else to fight a shitty, drizzly day? Your rain gear is an opportunity to set yourself apart—which is exactly the point of this whole wearing-color thing, anyway.

Think back through the fog of childhood and try to remember your old friend the color wheel. Perhaps you recall that complementary colors, the ones across from each other on the wheel, go best together. That’s still true, but related colors work, too. So you’re stoked about the new folio you bought with the orange lining? It’d look great with a green scarf. Going with a blue V-neck sweater? Even better if you’ve got brown gloves. And there’s a reason so many universities have gold and navy school colors.

This has gotta be the easiest, most radical styling notion of the year: Just pick a color and pile it on. Blue is the simplest one to try, because it’s universally flattering and not too outrageous, and you probably already have everything you need in your closet. Here’s why the look at left works: The big pieces are all solid. The pocket square introduces a hit of pattern. And the gray pants keep

Sure, charcoal flannel suits and camel topcoats are essential fall staples. But the pieces that’ll really transform familiar classics into double-take looks at the office this season are bursting with bright colors. In fact, we’ve never seen fall collections with so many electric-hued ties, bold bags, and vibrant dress shirts. Think of them as jumper cables for your closet, jolting dusty tweeds back to life. And the best part is that any guy can get the look on any budget. So read on for all the ways a little color can drag your fall business look out of the dark.

Scarf by Alexander Olch. Coat by Burberry London. Suit by Boss. Shirt by Ovadia & Sons. Tie by Band of Outsiders. Tie bar by The Tie Bar.